Chloe Lincoln Steps Up for Matildas, Gets Advice from Mackenzie Arnold

In a significant moment for Australian women's football, young goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln is stepping into the spotlight as the starting keeper for the Matildas' opening match in the Women's Asian Cup. Lincoln, who was a late call-up to the squad, acknowledges the immense pressure and the challenge of directing seasoned defenders like Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter, players she once idolized. Her journey to this point reflects a rapid ascent, particularly after injuries sidelined more experienced goalkeepers.

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Yelling out to Steph Catley or someone, 'Hey, tuck in' or telling her to do something … it was not that long ago, I was starstruck and in awe of these girls — and I still am. But in a way, that's what the job requires.

Veteran goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, a key figure for the Matildas, has offered Lincoln crucial advice: "Find your feet, find your voice." This guidance is particularly relevant for Lincoln, who describes herself as naturally shy and reserved. The article emphasizes the ongoing development required for her to become a more vocal leader on the pitch, a critical aspect of the goalkeeper's role.

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Find your feet, find your voice.

The piece also provides a stark look at the professional landscape of women's football in Australia. Lincoln, along with other A-League Women players in the national squad, experiences firsthand the significant gap between the semi-professional domestic league and the fully professional setups common in Europe and the US. The disparity in average salaries, minimum wages, resources, and contact hours is a recurring topic of conversation within the national team, underscoring the challenges and the potential for growth in Australian women's football.

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I'm definitely by nature a very shy, more reserved sort of person, and that's been a major piece of feedback that I've had ever since I was young — I need to be louder and more vocal.

From an Australian perspective, this story is about the emergence of new talent within our national team, the mentorship provided by established stars, and the ongoing efforts to professionalize the sport domestically. While international coverage might focus on the results of the match, for Australian audiences, it's also about the development pathway for players like Lincoln and the broader context of the A-League Women's status in the global footballing landscape. The Matildas represent not just a team, but a symbol of progress and aspiration in Australian sport.

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It was a very special moment — not that I had to do much in those two games. But just to be out there with the team and contributing in any way that I could felt really special.